To fly, to serve, to charge: British Airways ‘to start charging for in-flight food on its short-haul services’

ECONOMY passengers will 'have to pay for food' as BA attempts to compete with Ryanair and EasyJet

By KAREN MORRISON

16th May 2016, 11:11 am

Updated: 16th May 2016, 11:11 am

BRITISH Airways is to end its long-standing policy of serving free food and drinks to all passengers.

The UK's flagship airline has ruled out inclusive meals on short-haul economy flights in a bid to compete with rivals including easyJet and Ryanair.

BA's current policy reads: "Whenever and wherever you are travelling, we offer a complimentary snack or meal and bar service."

Bosses are planning on charging for sandwiches - and Waitrose are tipped to be the airline's snack supplier, the Independent reported.

Malcolm Ginsberg, editor of Business Travel News, said: "Waitrose, very much middle class, would seem to be the ideal partner. The move could also help reduce waste."

Business class passengers will continue to have food and drinks included in the tariff.

New BA Chairman and Chief Executive Alex Cruz is believed to be the driving force behind the change.

Cruz previously founded low-cost airline Vueling - part IAG, which BA is also now part of.

John Strickland, an aviation expert, said: "One only has to look at the roaring trade in 'take onboard' food at BA's home base, Heathrow Terminal Five, to see that if the right quality and product choice is offered then this certainly presents an opportunity for the airline.

"Alex Cruz has already proved that this can work during his time at Vueling.

"As long as the airline is able to differentiate between its lower-fare customers and those on higher-price flexible tickets in terms of service offer, it should be able to make such a transition successfully."

But the move has raised concerns among BA's cabin crew as they believe it will increase their work load.

One worker commented: "On a busy Amsterdam flight we hardly have time to serve everyone, let alone take money."

A spokesman from British Airways said: ''We are constantly reviewing every element of the experience our customers receive, including the in-flight catering, to ensure we're delivering what they want.